Fast fashion has been linked to large-scale pollution and other problems. In the current times, it is essential to find alternative ways to extend the lifecycles of clothing by switching towards sustainable fashion. This can be done with thrifting, a new concept in buying second-hand clothes.
Fast fashion has been linked to large-scale pollution and other problems. In the current climate, it is essential to find alternative ways to extend the lifecycles of clothing by switching towards sustainable fashion. This can be done with thrifting – a new concept in buying second-hand clothes.
After incidents such as the Rana Plaza fire in Bangladesh and similar accidents in India, the fast fashion industry is being criticized for its irresponsible practices in safety and labor exploitation. For years, environmentalists have been working hard to address issues such as pollution, resource depletion, and waste production in the apparel industry. A linear system has been created by the shorter production cycles of garments and cheap, short-lived fabrics. Fast fashion is unsustainable by nature.
What is sustainable fashion?
Sustainable fashion is the answer to the harmful practices of fast fashion. Kate Fletcher is a design activist and author who defines sustainable fashion as “fashion which fosters social justice and ecological integrity.” [ii] Although it may seem like a simple definition, sustainable fashion includes many components, such as environmentally friendly manufacturing and the use of natural or recycled raw materials. It can also include zero-waste packaging or plastic-free packaging. Sustainability fashion addresses equity, diversity, and inclusivity.
Critical Sustainability
After defining sustainability, the concept of critical sustainability can help guide us forward. The idea of critical sustainability advocates an inclusive public movement that actively resists profit-making private interests and prioritizes ecological integrity. [iii] Critical sustainability is a sociopolitical engagement that uses caste, class, and gender analyses to understand sustainability. Critical sustainability acknowledges the traditional pillars for sustainability, known as the 3Ps — planet, people, and profit. However, it takes an equity-based perspective, where sustainability actions are tailored to those in need.
The youth and thrift culture
Urban youths have become increasingly interested in practices that call for systemic change in society, culture, and production. Many are looking for sustainable ways to buy fashion. Thrifting is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to indulge sustainably. The sustainability of thrifting is a breeze, as it does not require new materials, additional manufacturing, labor to make clothes, carbon emissions from transportation or marketing, etc. Thrifting extends the lifespan of an existing garment, preventing it from being thrown away. This is a great way to keep the garment on the market with the lowest possible environmental and financial cost.
Youth, in particular, seem to enjoy thrifting. This could be due to the lower price of second-hand clothing compared with new, sustainable fashion. The sudden increase in online thrift shops over the past few years is also a sign of demand for second-hand clothing. The stores, which are mostly Instagram-based but some also have websites, sell factory rejects and second-hand clothing (mostly imported from East Asian countries), and they even clear out closets. These stores sell all kinds of apparel, including high-waisted trousers, formal shirts and dresses, lingerie, and more.
Second-hand clothing also appears to be changing in perception. In Indian culture, hand-me-downs or second-hand clothing are seen as a necessity. It is assumed that people with money would rather buy new clothes than second-hand. This attitude is slowly changing as more and younger people are proudly displaying their thrift clothing on social media. Thrifting has become cool! Thrift store owners are noticing an overwhelming demand from their followers, mainly young college students and early career professionals. They have set reminders for them to be the first to grab the clothes on social media.
Make saving accessible
The lack of brick-and-mortar stores is one of the major drawbacks of Indian thrift culture. In Western countries, offline physical stores are very common. However, they are almost non-existent in India. It limits the number of people who can access this type of sustainable fashion. The number of people who are able to engage in this type of sustainable clothing is reduced. It is both a blessing and a curse that the “online thrift store” lacks formalization. This is a blessing, as it allows small business owners to operate without the need to go through bureaucratic hoops. It is also a disadvantage, as it’s very easy to create fake supply chains online and fool consumers.
Conclusion
Thrift culture has captured the attention of youth based on the current state and popularity of online thrifting. The thrift culture, which was once limited to an online community in India, has grown over the past few years. The future will reveal whether thrift culture is just a trend among youth that will quickly fade away or a phenomenon that will last. In the long term, it may be in both the people’s and the environment’s best interests if thrifting continues to thrive. It is one of the most effective ways of shopping for fashion sustainably.
